4 Tips for Protecting Your Skin from Pollution
The latest trends in skin care highlight the dangers of something that we’re all exposed to on a daily basis: air pollution. The negative effects of pollution on your overall health have been thoroughly researched and are fairly well known by the general public. But many people don’t realize that the same smog that harms your respiratory system can penetrate your skin, contributing to unwanted conditions including dry skin, premature aging and acne (Environmental Science).
Whether you’re a city or a country mouse, arming your skin with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy is one of the best ways to combat the potentially harmful side effects of pollution on your skin. To really boost your protection, adopt these four tips for healthy, glowing skin.
1. Antioxidants
One of the reasons why air pollution is so harmful is that it puts oxidative stress on your body (including your skin). Oxidative stress occurs when the free radicals in your body are too abundant to be effectively neutralized, thus creating an imbalance between these highly reactive molecules and your body’s ability to detoxify itself (News Medical).
As their name might suggest, antioxidants are the molecules that your body uses to neutralize the oxidation of these free radicals, thus helping your skin to restore and protect itself against damage. Some skin care products like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and SkinCeuticals Phoretin CF contain powerful antioxidants that you apply directly to your skin to not only improve your complexion, but to also offer vital protection against environmental pollutants.
2. Stay Hydrated and Moisturized
Keeping your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water is another healthy habit to develop. Not only does adequate water intake keep your skin functioning properly (and therefore looking smooth and healthy), but it also helps your body flush out toxins.
Once you’re hydrated on the inside, you’ll also want to apply a topical moisturizer on the outside to ensure that your skin is able to retain water (University of Wisconsin-Madison Health).
3. Exfoliate
When dead skin cells build up on your skin, they trap dirt, oil, makeup and pollutants in your pores, leaving your complexion looking dull and feeling uneven. Even worse, those trapped pollutants block your pores and lead to inflammation, which may cause acne breakouts and dry or oily skin.
Exfoliating your skin removes this buildup from the surface, revealing the fresh layer underneath while also preventing unwanted skin conditions. There are a variety of professional treatments available to provide deep exfoliation, including microdermabrasion and chemical peels.
4. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
When pollution depletes the outer protective layer of your skin, you need to replenish it with the right skin care ingredients to restore your skin’s proper function, health and overall condition. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is comprised of a unique 2:4:2 ratio of the necessary lipids to replenish your skin: 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids. Not only does this combination aid in your skin’s self-repair process when exposed to pollutants, but it also significantly improves the smoothness and evenness of your complexion.
The Bottom Line
Although air pollution is difficult–if not impossible–to avoid, especially if you live in a large city, following these four tips for excellent skin health can greatly reduce its impact. Acqua Blu Medical Spa carries a wide array of Skinceutical skin care products in our Pittsburgh and Wexford locations to meet the individualized needs of our clients.
If you feel that your complexion could use a boost of nutrients, consider scheduling a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ana Busquets, or any of our knowledgeable physician assistants. Our team would be happy to discuss your professional skin care options with you to help you look and feel your absolute best. Visit our retail boutique to purchase an array of our select SkinCeutical products. Please contact us at (724) 933-1800for more information or to set up your consultation.
